Helping Hands

Abdominal Pain: Hospital Admission

Abdominal pain (belly pain) can happen for many reasons. Learn what to expect if your child is in the hospital for abdominal pain.

24 Hour Urine Specimen Collection Guidelines

Learn what to do if your doctor has ordered a 24 hour urine test. 

Abdominal Pain: Outpatient

This Helping Hand™ is about what steps to take if your child's belly (abdominal) pain is unknown.

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

Acetaminophen is the generic name for Tylenol.

Advice for New Moms and Dads

There are many books to help new parents and their babies thrive. These are some quick tips to get you started.

Aerosol Therapy

Learn how to use aerosol therapy for your child.

Anal Manometry

Anal manometry is a test is to see how well the internal and external sphincters of the anus and the pelvic floor are working.

Animal Bites

An animal scratch or bite can be very frightening. Your child may need extra comfort and attention in the next few days or weeks to get over the experience.

Applying for WIC for Teen Moms

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a food program. Federal grant money for WIC helps low-income women and their babies.

Aromatherapy: Essential Oils

This Helping Hand™ is about how to use essential oils for aromatherapy safely.

Infant, Maternity, and New Parent Resource Guide

Learn about what agencies in the Columbus area can help you with things you need to care for your baby.

Hearing Assistive Technology

Hearing assistive technology (HAT), formerly called FM systems or assistive listening devices (ALDs), help people with hearing loss hear better.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) with Sedation or Anesthesia

This Helping Hand™ explains the process of an auditory brainstem response (ABR) with light sedation or anesthesia. 

Bathing Your Baby

Learn how to bathe your baby.

Behavior Support: Catching Your Child Being Good

Using strategies to stop problem behaviors will set your child up for success.

Behavior Support: Preventative Strategies

Using strategies to stop problem behaviors will set your child up for success.

Behavior Support - Reducing Interruptions

Children often interrupt at times when parents are busy or are not paying attention to them. To cut down on interruptions, use short teaching sessions. They will help you and your child communicate better.

Behavior Support: Using a Schedule

Using a schedule helps you and your child create expectations.

Behavior Support - Using Planned Ignoring at Home

Planned ignoring, or extinction, is not paying attention to a problem behavior in order to decrease the behavior in the future. Your behavior support provider will teach you how to use planned ignoring.

Birth Control: Contraceptive Patch

Learn about the birth control option for women, the contraceptive patch.

Birth Control: Depo Provera®

Learn about the birth control option for women, Depo-Provera.

Birth Control: Hormonal IUD

The hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device with strings attached. The hormonal IUD works mainly by thickening the cervical mucus to keep the sperm from joining with an egg.

Birth Control Nexplanon Implant

The Nexplanon® contraceptive implant is a thin, matchstick-sized, flexible rod inserted under the skin of your upper arm by your healthcare provider.

Birth Control Non Hormonal IUD

The non-hormonal copper intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped plastic device wrapped in copper with two strings attached. The copper IUD slowly releases copper into the uterus preventing sperm from fertilizing an egg. The copper IUD does not have any hormones.

Birth Control (Contraceptive) Options

Birth control is safe, easy to use, and has few side effects. Finding the right method for you can help you prevent pregnancy until you want to become pregnant.

Birth Control Pills

Combination oral contraceptive pills are a form of daily birth control that has the hormones estrogen and progestin.

Birth Control: Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a birth control you place in your vagina.

Blood Counts: Chemo and Radiation Therapy

This Helping Hand™ explains how chemotherapy and radiation therapy can change blood cells and what that means for your child.

Blood Transfusion

A transfusion of red blood cells carries oxygen to the tissues and can relieve symptoms of anemia.

Body System: Cardiovascular

The heart is a very strong muscle that pumps oxygen-rich blood through the arteries to all parts of the body. Blood comes back to the heart through the veins. It is pumped to the lungs where it picks up oxygen.

Body System: Respiratory

View a diagram of the respiratory body system. 

Bone Marrow Transplant Acute Graft vs. Host Disease

Graft vs. Host disease (GVHD) often occurs after allogeneic bone marrow transplants (BMT). In GVHD, the donor’s bone marrow attacks the patient’s organs and tissues, making them less able to function well.

Bottle Feeding

Feeding your baby can be a happy time for you and your baby. If you feel calm and relaxed during the feeding, so will your baby. Newborn infants need to be fed every 2 to 4 hours. As your baby gets older, he or she will be able to go 4 to 6 hours between feedings.

Bottle Feeding Formula Preparation

All infants under 1 year of age should receive breast milk or infant formula, not cow's milk. There are several ways to make formula. The method explained here is the "clean" method. Wash the bottles, nipples, caps and rings after you buy them and after each use.

Breast/Chest Care and Expressing Milk

There are times when a mother will need to express (remove) milk from her breasts to save for later use. When you need to be away for a few hours or if your baby cannot breastfeed while he or she is in the hospital, you can express milk from your breasts.

Breastfeeding/Chestfeeding

There are many rewards to breastfeeding. Breastfeeding helps to develop a close bond between you and your infant and provides your new baby with the best nutrition. Breast milk has nearly a perfect mix of vitamins, proteins and fat.

Bronchoscopy and Laryngoscopy

What to expect and how to prepare for your child's bronchoscopy and laryngoscopy.

Bullying Information for Parents

Bullying is unwanted aggressive behavior by a person or group that targets another person or group. It involves an imbalance of power and is usually repeated over time. Bullying is not teasing.

Burn Prevention: Preschool and School-Age

Burn injuries can be serious at any age. Preschoolers and school-age children are at greater risk of burn injuries because they’re curious and like to explore. If your child has been burned, apply cool water to the area for 20 minutes. Do not use ice or ice water on the burn.

Burn Prevention: Teens and Adults

Burns can be serious injuries at any age. Teenagers and adults are at risk for many different kinds of serious burn injuries. The following information shows the common causes of burns in teens and adults and the steps that can be taken to prevent the most common types of burns.

Button Battery Safety

More and more household items have button batteries. These items include: remote controls, thermometers, games, toys, hearing aids, calculators, bathroom scales, musical greeting cards, key fobs, electronic jewelry, holiday ornaments, cameras, and candles

Calming a Fussy Baby

Your baby’s cry is how they communicate with you. Babies cry so they can be fed, put to sleep, or have their diaper changed. All babies cry, especially in the first 6 months of life. During this period, most babies can cry for 45 minutes to 2 hours each day.

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Puberty to Adult

This Helping Hand™ is a guide to general CPR for children that have gone through puberty and adults. It is not intended to be used as training material or in place of formal CPR training. 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Age 1 to Puberty

This Helping Hand™ is a guide to general CPR for children that are over 1 year old and have not gone through puberty. It is not intended to be used as training material or in place of formal CPR training. 

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): Infants

This Helping Hand™ is a guide to general CPR for infants. It is not intended to be used as training material or in place of formal CPR training. 

Cast and Splint Care

Your child needs a cast or splint. The cast or splint keeps the injured area from moving while it heals. Movement can cause pain, delay healing or make the injury worse. Some casts are waterproof. Your doctor will tell you the type that has been put on your child.

Cast: Hip Spica

A hip spica cast keeps your child's pelvis and one or both legs from moving. This type of cast is used if a child has a broken bone in the thigh or has had hip surgery. The cast holds your child's leg(s) in the right position for healing. It is made of Fiberglas® casting tape. It will be put on in the operating room.

Child Care and Illness: Should Your Child Stay Home?

Sometimes it is hard to decide if your child is too ill to go to childcare. Usually, children should stay home if illness keeps them from enjoying the daily activities of childcare.

At-Home Safety Guide for Self-Harm or Suicide

Your child has been in the hospital because he or she is at risk of self-harm or harming others. When your child leaves the hospital, there are some things you need to do for safety at home.

Hospital Safety Guide for Self-Harm

Patients at risk of harming themselves or others are placed on safety precautions as soon as they enter the hospital. These safety rules remain in place throughout the child’s hospital stay.

Circulation Checks

Your child has received a treatment that can affect blood flow (circulation) in the injured arm or leg. You will need to check the circulation in your child’s fingers or toes.

Clean Catch Urine Collection

A clean catch urine specimen is collected to find out what kinds of germs (bacteria), if any, are in your child’s pee (urine). The test must be done properly for your child to get the right medical treatment.

Cleft Lip Adhesion

Cleft lip adhesion is the first step in a two-step process to repair your baby's cleft lip. Prepare for the surgery with this Helping Hand.

Cleft Lip Repair

Your baby's cleft lip has been repaired. There are a few things to know about his or her care at home.

Cleft Palate Repair

Your baby's cleft lip has been repaired. There are a few things to know about his or her care at home. Other than these special instructions, take care of your baby like any other baby the same age.

Cleft Palate Repair: The Surgery

What to expect if your child is having surgery to repair his or her cleft lip. 

Closed Reduction of a Fracture

This Helping Hand™ explains what to expect before, during, and after a closed reduction of a fracture procedure. 

Collar and Cuff Sling

A collar and cuff is a type of sling that the Nationwide Children's Hospital staff makes just for your child. This special sling will provide comfort to your child. It also helps keep the arm in the best position for proper healing of the injury and decreases swelling.

Comfort Hold Techniques

These comfort hold techniques have been developed to help you hold your child during a procedure. The purpose of a hold is for your child to feel safe and to help him or her keep still and calm. 

Condoms

Condoms should be used while having sex. They help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT)

Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is a 24-hour non-stop dialysis therapy used to support patients with renal (kidney) failure.

Contrast Enema

A contrast enema is a test where contrast solution makes the large intestine (bowel) and part of the small intestine show up on the X-ray picture.

Cough And Cold Medicines

How to properly administer over the counter cough medicine to your child. 

Crutch Walking

Crutches may be used to keep weight off a leg or foot while it is healing. Your health care provider will check one of the weight-bearing instructions below: Non-Weight-Bearing (NWB) – Do not put any weight on the injured foot or leg.

Computed Tomography (CT) Scan

A CT (Computed Tomography) Scan is a type of x-ray that takes pictures of your child's body. Here is what to expect if your child is schedule to have a CT scan. 

Dental: Cavities in Baby Teeth

How to prevent cavities in baby teeth.

Dental Home Care Goals Fact Sheets

Keep your child's teeth healthy and clean with these dental home care goals.

Dental: Teeth and Gum Care

Use these instructions and tips to properly care for your child's gums and teeth. 

Dental: Wearing Separators

What to do and what not to do while wearing separators. 

Diabetes: When Your Child Should Stay Home from School

This guide will help you know when your child should stay home from school for reasons related to their diabetes and how to get a school excuse. Children with diabetes should not have more sick days than other students. It is important that they go to school every day.

Clear Liquid Diet: GI Constipation/Cleanout

Digital Blood Pressure Measurement

Blood pressure is the force of the blood against the wall of any blood vessel. The blood pressure measurement is written in numbers. The systolic blood pressure is the top number. The diastolic blood pressure is the bottom number.

Discipline

Every child needs discipline. Use this guide to aid you in teaching your child right from wrong, and good from bad.

Divorce and Children

More than a million children are affected by divorce each year. When parents divorce, it can be hard for children to get used to a new way of life. But parents can do many things to protect their children from the emotional harm divorce often brings.

Earwax

Ear wax protects and moisturizes the skin of the ear canal. This will help to prevent dry, itchy ears. Ear wax contains special chemicals that help to fight infection in the ear canal.

EEG (Electroencephalogram)

What to expect and how to prepare if your child is having an EEG.

Emergency Phone Numbers and Directions to Nationwide Children's

Keep this information by the phone nearest your child at home.

EMG and NCV Tests

Prepare for your child's EMG and NCV test with this Helping Hand. 

Epinephrine Auto-Injectors for Severe Allergic Reaction (Adrenaclick®, Auvi-Q®, EpiPen®, Symjepi®)

When and how to use an EpiPen if your child has a severe allergic reaction. 

Evaluation for Sepsis - Infant

Sepsis is a serious condition caused by the body’s reaction to infection. This evaluation is standard across the country for babies with these symptoms.

Exercise Stress Test

A stress test, sometimes called an exercise test, helps your doctor find out how well your body works when you are active. This test measures how well your heart, lungs and muscles function during physical activity.

Exercises: Breathing, Posture and Chest Mobility

The following exercises will improve your posture (the way you stand). They will also make the muscles of your chest stronger and more flexible so that breathing is easier. Do each exercise 5 times.

Exercises: Left Torticollis Positioning for Play

Left torticollis (tor ti COLL iss) is a tightening of the muscles on the left side of the neck. It results in your child often bending his or her head to the left side and looking to the right side. Your child may not be able to easily turn his or her head to the left due to the muscle tightness.

Exercises: Right Torticollis Positioning for Play

Right torticollis is a tightening of the muscles on the right side of the neck. It results in your child frequently bending his or her head to the right side and looking to the left side.

General Eye Care and Safety for Children

How to care for your child's eyes and keep them safe. 

Eye Socket Care

How to keep the eye socket clean after a conformer has been placed in your child's eye socket.

Eye: Tear Duct Massage

Tear duct massage is a way to help to open the duct and let the tears flow into the tear sac.

Eye Test: Vision Screening

How to prepare for your child's eye test vision screening.

Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Thyroid Biopsy

The doctor has seen or felt a nodule or bump on your child’s thyroid. The ultrasound confirmed the presence of a nodule. Now it is time to take some fluid from inside the nodule and get it tested.

Gonadotropin Stimulation Test (GnRH)

This Helping Hand™ is about the gonadotropin stimulation test. This test is done to check how well the pituitary gland is working in children that started puberty early or late.

Gonorrhea: Expedited Partner Therapy (EPT)

Your partner was diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) called gonorrhea. You may also be infected. This infection is serious but can be easily treated with antibiotics.

Gynecologic Laparoscopy

This Helping Hand™ is about the gynecologic laparoscopy procedure and why it's done.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Gynecomastia surgery is usually a same-day procedure. This means you will come to the hospital the day of your surgery and then will go home the same day.

Hand Hygiene

Learn more about proper hand hygiene to prevent the spread of germs.

Healthy Sleep Habits for Babies and Toddlers

Sleep is important at all ages. Newborns do not know day from night, so they sleep and wake up at all times. Toddler sleep may vary too. This can be hard for parents.

Healthy Sleep Habits for Older Children and Teens

Sleep is important at all ages. Sleep problems are common among many children and teens and can affect their focus while at school, work or home. Almost one-fourth of all children have some type of sleep problem. The problem can be caused by poor sleep habits or a medical condition.

Helping Children Feel Safe in Stressful Times

Stress is a common part of every child’s life. Children worry about their appearance, about tests and school projects, being accepted by friends, being separated from family, as well as many other concerns.

Helping Very Young Children Cope after a Trauma

Most children do not have long-term emotional problems after a serious injury or traumatic event. However, behavior changes may occur while their brain tries to process what has happened.

Oncology: Homegoing Instructions

This Helping Hand™ will help you know what to do when going home after a cancer treatment.

Hemophilia Joint and Muscle Bleeds – PRICE Home Care

In persons with hemophilia, joint and muscle bleeds can happen easily. When bleeds happen it is important to recognize them as soon as possible to get the right treatment and limit risk of long-term damage.

HIV Oral Point of Care Test

Learn about the Oral Point of Care Test and HIV infection.

24-Hour Holter Monitor

What to expect if your child is going to wear a Holter Monitor for a 24-hour test. 

Home Safety for Infants and Toddlers

This Helping Hand™ is about making your home safe for your infant(s) or toddler(s).

How and Why to Thicken Liquids

If your child has dysphagia, you may need to thicken the liquids he or she drinks. Thickened liquids may help to protect the airway.

Hydrogen Breath Test

This Helping Hand™ is about how a hydrogen breath test is done and how to prepare for it.

Hypnosis

Hypnosis is a state of increased awareness. It happens when a person intensely focuses his or her attention.

Hypospadias Repair

Prepare for your child's hypospadias repair with this Helping Hand. 

IV: Implanted Port

The implanted port is a device that is placed under the skin. It lessens the need to start an IV for every treatment.

Infant Vision Birth to One Year

This Helping Hand™ describes what your baby sees from the time they're born until they're 1 year old. See how you can help your baby’s vision develop.

Inhaled Corticosteroids for Asthma

Properly administer inhaled corticosteroids for asthma with this Helping Hand. 

Inhalers: Spacers

Many medicines that help make breathing easier are taken by an inhaler. The inhaler must be used the right way, or the medicine will not get into the lungs to make your child feel better. A spacer is a device that helps the medicine get into the lungs.

Inhalers: Spacers with Mask

Learn how to use and care for inhaler spacers with masks.

Innocent Heart Murmurs

 Innocent heart murmurs are common in children and usually disappear before the child becomes an adult.

Intranasal Midazolam (Versed®) - Vial

Midazolam is given through the nose and is absorbed quickly. This medicine is used for both cluster and prolonged seizures.

IV: PICC Line

The PICC line is a plastic tube that is inserted into a large vein to give intravenous therapy.

Lead Poisoning Prevention

Lead poisoning is the harmful buildup of lead in the body. Children under 6 years old are at highest risk for lead poisoning.

Learning Problems

If you are worried about your child’s development, learning, attention, thinking or social skills, you are not alone. Many families struggle with these problems. Here are tips and resources to help your family find ways to assist your child.

Management of Nonspecific Back Pain

Prepare for your child's MRE with this Helping Hand. 

Mealtime Success

Learning proper mealtime habits is very important and will benefit your child for the rest of his life.

Medicine: How to Give by Mouth

Here are some suggestions and safety tips that may make giving medicine easier for both you and your child.

Medicine: Proper Disposal

Dispose of various medications correctly with help from these instructions. 

Medicine Safety - Chemotherapy

Many children need medicine from time to time to treat different illnesses or conditions. Some of these medicines are taken for a short time. Others may be taken for years. Here are some tips for the safe use of medicines.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a method of examining the inside of the body. The MRI machine is a large magnet that surrounds the body. It uses magnetic fields and radio frequencies instead of X-rays to produce images.

Nasoalveolar Molding (NAM)

This Helping Hand™ explains how nasoalveolar molding (NAM) is used to treat cleft lips and cleft palates.

Nasogastric Tubes (Insertion and Feeding)

Feeding tubes are often used for babies and young children who are not able to take in enough calories by mouth. If the tube is placed through the nose into the stomach, it is called a nasogastric tube (NG tube).

Orthodontics - Wearing Braces

This Helping Hand™ is a guide to caring for your teeth and braces.

Ostomy Care: Ordering Supplies

Your child may need different ostomy supplies as he grows and gets older. Learn how to care for your child's ostomy and order supplies.

Oxygen Therapy at Home

The cells in our bodies need oxygen to live. Without enough oxygen, growth and development can slow down. This Helping Hand includes helpful information if your child is prescribed oxygen therapy at home.

Patient Hair Care

If your child is in the hospital for an extended period of time, it is important to help them care for their hair. Washing, conditioning and using moisturizer will help their hair stay healthy so it does not get too dry and break off.

Percutaneous Pinning

What to expect if your child is having a percutaneous pinning. 

Peripheral Nerve Catheter and Pump for Pain Control (PNC) Inpatient

Prepare for your child's peripheral nerve catheter with this Helping Hand.

Personal Hygiene

The body performs better when it is clean and healthy. Good personal hygiene should include clean skin and care of the mouth, teeth, hair, hands, feet and nails.

Poisonings and Poison Prevention

What should you do if you think someone is poisoned? Do NOT make the poisoned person throw up! Call the Poison Center. Direct Phone Line: 1-800-222-1222.

Prednisone and Prednisolone (Prelone®, Pediapred®, Deltasone®, Orapred®)

Prednisone and prednisolone are like hormones made by the body. The body may not make enough of its own hormones while your child takes prednisone or prednisolone. Never let your child stop taking prednisone or prednisolone or change the dose without first talking to your child’s doctor.

Rabies Vaccine Treatment

This Helping Hand™ is about the treatment for rabies. Rabies is a serious disease mostly caused by wild animals. Here we'll go over what steps to take if you're bitten.

Radiation Therapy

This Helping Hand™ goes over the process of radiation therapy and what to expect.

Rectal Biopsy

Properly prepare for your child's rectal biopsy with this Helping Hand.

Safe Sleep Practices

Sleep-related deaths are the leading cause of infant death between 1 month and 1 year of age. In Ohio, more than three infant deaths each week are sleep-related. Many of these deaths are preventable.

Safe Sleep Practices for Babies

Sleep related deaths are one of the leading causes of death for babies. These deaths used to be called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Now they are called Sudden Unexplained Infant Deaths (SUIDs).

Scar Management

Does your child have a scar forming? This Helping Hand can walk you through all of the scar management techniques.

School and Illness: Should Your Child Stay Home?

This Helping Hand™ can help you decide when your child should stay home if they're sick.

Secondhand Smoke

Secondhand smoke is what you breathe in when you are around a smoker. It is what the smoker breathes out and the smoke that comes from the burning end of a cigarette, cigar or pipe. It contains more than 4,000 chemicals. There is no safe level of exposure.

Secondhand Smoke and Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Secondhand smoke is very dangerous for children with Cystic Fibrosis.Learn why it is harmful and how to keep your child safe. 

Service Animals at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Nationwide Children’s Hospital allows any patient, family member or visitor to use a service dog in most places. Learn more about bringing service animals to Nationwide Children's.

Splenectomy

This Helping Hand™ talks about what a splenectomy is, why your child may need one, and how to care for a patient who has had one.

Hard Splints

This Helping Hand™ explains how to care for your child while they have a splint. 

Stem Cell Transplant: HLA Typing

Learn how HLA typing is done.

Stool Collection Guidelines

Your child’s stool (bowel movement) must be tested so we can plan the treatment for your child. You will need to collect the stool specimen at home. Bring it to a Laboratory Service Center. This stool specimen will be examined and a report will be sent to your doctor.

Stop Smoking

This page provides tips and resources to help you stop smoking.

Stop Smoking Programs

The following are a list of stop smoking programs (both in-person and online) in central Ohio recommended by Nationwide Children's Hospital. 

Suctioning the Nose Human Powered Nasal Suction Tube

This Helping Hand™ is about human-powered nasal suction tubes. Here you'll see how and when to use this to suction your child's nose.

Suctioning the Nose with a Bulb Syringe

It is normal for a baby’s nose to get congested from time to time. When this happens, you can use nasal saline to thin their mucus and then suction it out with a bulb syringe.

Sweat Chloride Test Collection Guidelines

Prepare for your child's sweat chloride test with this Helping Hand. 

Temperature: Digital and Glass Thermometers

Learn how to use all three kinds of thermometers for your child.

Throat Culture

If your doctor suspects your child has strep throat, a throat culture may be done. This test shows whether germs (bacteria) are causing your child's sore throat.

Tips and Suggestions for Taking Asthma Medicine

Here are some expert tips to help encourage and improve your child's experience when taking asthma medicine.

Toilet Training

Some children are ready to begin toilet training at 18 months. Others are not ready until 3 years of age or older. Some things that might slow down a child's readiness for toilet training are: childhood illnesses, family crisis, language delays, a new baby in the family or fear of the toilet.

Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

This Helping Hand™ is about having a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) surgery. During this surgery, the tonsils and adenoids are taken out at the same time.

Treating Pain After Surgery

Nationwide Children’s Hospital wants to make your child as comfortable as possible. Having pain is normal after surgery, but there are ways to ease the pain.

Tummy Time

It is important for babies to sleep on their backs to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). However, a baby needs time on his or her tummy for stretching and strengthening his back and neck muscles.

U-Bag Urine Collection Guidelines for Males and Females

Your child’s urine (pee) must be tested so we can plan the treatment for them. You will need to collect the urine specimen at home and bring it to a Nationwide Children’s Hospital Laboratory Service Center.

Ultrasound Scan

This Helping Hand will prepare you for your child's ultrasound scan. 

Universal Newborn Hearing Screening (UNHS)

Learn more about the universal newborn hearing screening.

Use of Electronic Devices

This Helping Hand™ explains the guidelines for using cell phones and other electronic devices while visiting the hospital. Please follow these guidelines when visiting us.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

The Vagus Nerve Stimulator treats epilepsy that is not controlled with medicine. The VNS prevents or lessens the frequency of seizures by sending mild electrical impulses through the vagus nerve to the brain.

Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study

This Helping Hand™ is about the videofluoroscopic swallow study (VFSS), which is a test to see how your child swallows food and liquids.

Weaning Your Baby: Cup Feeding

Weaning is the time when your baby learns to drink from a cup instead of from a breast or bottle. Infants usually stay on formula until their first birthday. Give formula in the cup instead of cow's milk if you wean your child before one year of age.

Well-Baby Visits: 12 Months

Welcome to the 12-month visit! Your baby is now 1 year old. Learn what to expect at this visit.

Well-Baby Visits: 4 Months and 6 Months

Learn what to expect at your baby's 4 and 6 month well visit appointments.

Well-Baby Visits: 9 Months

Learn what to expect at baby's 9 month well visit.

Well Baby Visits: Newborn, 1 Month and 2 Months

Congratulations on your new baby! Having a child is a large responsibility and can be a lot of work. At times it can seem overwhelming. Learn what to expect at your baby's newborn, 1 month and 2 month well visits.

Well-Baby Visits: 15 Months and 18 Months

Your child is one and a half years old! Your child is learning to become more independent, and will want to do things on his or her own.

X-Ray

What to expect if your child is having an x-ray.

Adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) Stimulation Test

An adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) stimulation test is done to check how well the adrenal glands are making a hormone called cortisol.

Advance Directives

“Advance directives” are legal documents about health care choices.

Adenoid Removal (Adenoidectomy)

Adenoids are glands high in the throat behind the nose. Surgery to remove the adenoids is called an adenoidectomy. An adenoidectomy may be done if your child has trouble with breathing through the nose or for problems with frequent ear infections or sinus infections, among other reasons.

Hospital Admission for COVID-19

Coronaviruses are one of the causes of mild respiratory disease, such as the common cold. COVID-19 is caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus 2). Learn what to expect if your child is hospitalized with COVID-19.

Allergy Skin Testing

If your child is being seen for possible allergies, asthma, frequent infections or stuffy nose, allergy skin testing may be recommended. Testing can help find out what "allergen" causes the symptoms.  It could be something breathed in, touched, or eaten.

Airborne Precautions

Airborne precautions are used when germs, such as the kind that cause tuberculosis and chickenpox, can be spread through the air from one person to another. 

Amblyopia

Amblyopia is also known as "lazy eye" or “lazy vision.” The vision in the amblyopic eye is weaker than the vision in the "good eye,” and cannot be corrected with glasses.

Alveolar Bone Grafting Surgery

Alveolar bone grafting (ABG) surgery is usually done on children born with a cleft in the alveolus (the ridge of bone that holds the teeth). Grafting replaces the missing bone in the alveolus. This gives enough support for the permanent (adult) teeth, to close any remaining gaps, and to improve the support of the base of the nose.

Angiogram

Learn more about an angiogram, also called an arteriogram, which is a test that is done to study the size and shape of your child's blood vessels.

Aspen® Cervical Collar

A cervical collar helps hold the neck in place. The neck area of the backbone is called the cervical spine. When there’s an injury to the cervical spine, the neck needs to be held in place so it can heal.

Asthma and Steroid Use

Asthma is when the airways, or bronchi, in the lungs overreact to certain things. 

Birth Control: Subcutaneous Shot

The birth control shot (Depo-SubQ Provera®) is given once every 13 weeks. The shot contains a small amount of progesterone, similar to the hormones that are naturally made in a woman’s body.

Bone Health in Cerebral Palsy

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) and limited weight bearing have a high risk of having fragile bones. This is because bones need activity like walking, running, and jumping to make them strong.

Check-ups for Teens in Out-of-Home Placement

Teens in foster or kinship care have unique needs. They are learning life skills like how to make decisions on their own. Teens also have many concerns about their health, relationships with friends, and privacy.

Choosing a Bottle Flow Rate

Your baby’s bottle flow rate is the rate at which human milk or infant formula moves from the bottle nipple into an infant’s mouth. The bottle flow rate is important because if it is too slow your baby may work too hard to get milk. If the flow rate is too fast, they may have a hard time with the faster flow.

Cochlear Implant: Care After Surgery

A cochlear implant will be put in one or both of your child’s ears. The information below will help you care for your child after their implant surgery. What to Expect Cochlear implant surgery normally takes 1 to 2 hours for each ear. Your child will likely go home the same day.

Coping with Medicines

Children or teens may need medicine to manage their disease. Some medicines may have side effects, like unwanted changes in their mood or how they look. 

Creating a Purposeful Auditory Environment

By creating a purposeful auditory environment, you can protect and help your child’s brain development. Communication in babies comes from the sensory input they give and receive. These actions aid in communication and provide calming that may help children sleep.

Dental: Oral Sedation

Sedation can help your child feel less anxious, nervous or afraid, be more comfortable and stay still during the procedure.

Developmental Milestones: 0 to 6 Months

Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children will start or master by a certain age. Children reach milestones in many ways: speaking, learning, moving, and playing. There are things you can do with your child to help them reach these milestones.

Developmental Milestones: 12 to 18 Months

Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children will start or master by a certain age. Children reach milestones in many ways: speaking, learning, moving, and playing. There are things you can do with your child to help them reach these milestones.

Developmental Milestones: 18 to 24 Months

Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children will start or master by a certain age. Children reach milestones in many ways: speaking, learning, moving, and playing. There are things you can do with your child to help them reach these milestones.

Developmental Milestones: 6 to 12 Months

Developmental milestones are skills or behaviors that most children will start or master by a certain age. Children reach milestones in many ways: speaking, learning, moving, and playing. There are things you can do with your child to help them reach these milestones.

Diazepam Rectal Gel (Diastat)®

Your child’s healthcare provider or doctor has recommended Diastat® to help control some of your child’s seizures (Picture 1). It can be given by parents or other caregivers who know the child’s seizure patterns.

Dressing Change: Burns

Your child has been treated for a burn. The dressing (bandage) needs to be changed every day. This will help the burn heal faster and prevent infection.

Food Allergy and Anxiety

Children may have anxiety about their food allergies. This can cause extreme fear and worry that may change your child’s behavior. 

Food Allergy and Parenting

Parenting a child with food allergies can be tough. You have watched your child’s food and surroundings from an early age. You have also worked hard to speak to others, such as family, friends, and your child’s school, about keeping them safe from their allergen(s).

Genome Sequencing

Your child’s doctor has recommended a genetic test called genome sequencing (GS). This test looks for changes in DNA that could cause or contribute to a medical condition. About Your Genetics Our bodies are made up of billions of building blocks called cells. Each cell contains DNA.

Getting a Cochlear Implant

A cochlear (KOE-klee-er) implant is a device worn on the outside of the ear. It is for people with more severe hearing losses. It takes sounds from the environment, turns them into electrical signals, and sends them to the brain. Cochlear implants are different than hearing aids.

Helping Children Cope After Trauma

Most children do not have long-term emotional issues after a serious injury or traumatic event. However, traumatic events can have long-term effects on their health and development.

Sports Medicine: Hip Strain or Sprain

The hip joint is the anchor for many muscles in the body, such as those in the abdomen, buttocks, and legs. There are several hip muscles that allow the hip to bend (flex), straighten (extend), and turn.

Hippotherapy

Hippotherapy gets its name from the Greek word ‘‘hippos,’’ meaning horse. Horses are used as a tool in physical, occupational, and speech therapy. How It Works The horse is a base that supports your child.

Homework Help: Tips for Families

Helping your child with homework in a caring and planful way can increase engagement, avoid possible conflict and improve school success.

Idiopathic Toe Walking

Idiopathic toe walking is when your child walks on the balls of their feet while their heels are off the ground and there is no known medical cause. Research has shown that physical therapy may not eliminate toe walking but can address the condition.

Intranasal Diazepam Spray

Diazepam is the generic name for Valtoco®. This medicine is a fine mist that is given through the nose and is absorbed quickly.

Intranasal Midazolam Spray

Midazolam is the generic name for Nayzilam^®. This medicine is a fine mist that is given through the nose and is absorbed quickly. The seizures should stop within 5 minutes after giving the medicine.

Iron Infusions

The most common cause of anemia is not having enough iron. If you have anemia and cannot take iron orally (by mouth), you can get iron through an IV infusion.

Kidney Injury

Your child’s belly has been injured. This has led to a kidney injury. An injury may be a cut, bruise, or tear.

Kidney Shields

Kidney shields are custom made to protect your child’s kidneys during sports and activities. They can be used for healthy kidneys or a new transplanted kidney.

Liver Injury

This Helping Hand™ is about liver injuries and discusses the grading system used to determine seriousness, treatment options and care at home. 

Marijuana

Marijuana (also known as cannabis, weed, or pot) is the leaves, stems, seeds, and dried, crushed flowers of a cannabis plant. There are over 100 chemicals in the cannabis plant called cannabinoids. The most common cannabinoids are THC and CBD.

Medicine Prior Authorization

Certain medicines or services may need to be approved by your insurance plan before they are covered. The approval process is called a prior authorization (PA).

Medicine Safety - General

Many children need medicine to treat their illnesses or conditions. They may take some of these medicines for a short time, or for many years. Here are some tips for the safe use of medicines. How to Give Wash and dry your hands before and after using the medicine.

Menstrual Period

Menstrual periods are when the lining of the uterus flakes off (sheds) and blood/menstrual fluid passes through the vagina. Periods start about 2 years after puberty starts. The average age is 12. However, it can start as early as 9 or as late as 14.

MiraLAX, GlycoLax, or ClearLax

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 3350 is a medicine that relieves constipation. It’s sold under brand names like MiraLAX^®, GlycoLax^®, and ClearLax^®. It works with the water in your body to soften poop, so it’s easier to pass. It can take up to 24 hours for it to work.

Pasteurized Donor Milk for Your Hospitalized Baby

This Helping Hand™ is about what pasteurized donor milk is and why some babies may need it. It also talks about the process of pasteurizing and how you can become a donor.

Patellar Tendonitis (Jumpers Knee)

Jumper’s knee, or patellar tendonitis, is a condition that causes pain in the tendon below the kneecap (patellar tendon). This is the tendon that attaches the thigh (quadriceps) muscles to the lower leg. 

Preparing the Skin Before Surgery

Bathing your child before surgery will help reduce the number of germs on their skin. Fewer germs on the skin means less chance of an infection after surgery.

Protecting Babies and Young Children from Contagious Illnesses Without Masks

It is harder for people to breathe with something covering the nose and mouth. Since babies and children younger than 2 years have smaller airways, breathing through a mask is even harder for them than it is for an older child or an adult.

Rapid Genome Sequencing

Your child’s doctor has recommended a genetic test called rapid genome sequencing (rGS). This test looks for changes in DNA that could cause or contribute to a medical condition. About Your Genetics Our bodies are made up of billions of building blocks called cells. Each cell contains DNA.

Sickle Cell Disease and Fever

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are more likely to get infections, especially bacterial infections. The spleen helps to fight infections. In patients with sickle cell disease, the spleen does not work as well. Fever may be the first and only sign of infection.

Sickle Cell Disease and Pain

Pain is a common problem for children with sickle cell disease (SCD). Sickled cells have a hard time moving through small blood vessels. They can pile up and clog the vessels, keeping oxygen from getting to certain parts of the body (Picture 1). This causes pain.

Sickle Cell Disease and Stroke

Children with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at risk of having strokes. A stroke happens when the blood flow to or in the brain is blocked. This blockage slows down or stops oxygen to the brain. This can cause damage to the brain.

Sleep Difficulties

Getting a good night’s sleep is important for our mental and physical health. There are many things that can disrupt your child’s good sleeping habits. The most common are: School – Once children start school, they may have a hard time sleeping.

Somatic Disease Germline Comparator Sequencing

You or your child will be having a genetic test called somatic disease/germline comparator sequencing. This test looks for changes in DNA that could cause or contribute to a medical condition.

Speech and Communication Evaluations for Babies with Hearing Loss

Babies begin communication as early as birth. This takes many forms before the actual use of words. Most babies learn non-verbal ways to make their wants and needs known.

Sports Medicine: Femoral Anteversion

Femoral anteversion (feh-mr-uhl an-ti-vur-zhn) is an inward turn of the thigh bone (femur) which can cause the knees and toes to point in (pigeon toed). Femoral anteversion can be seen in one or both legs. It is often most clear when children are 5 to 6 years old.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD) Ultrasound

Children with sickle cell disease are at risk for stroke. Transcranial (trans-CRANE-ee-ul) Doppler (TCD) ultrasounds help predict that risk. A TCD measures how fast blood is flowing to the brain (Picture 1). When blood flows faster than it should, there is a higher risk for a stroke.

Vaping

Vaping is breathing in (inhaling) the aerosol made by an e-cigarette (electronic cigarette). The aerosol is called vapor. This is why smoking an e-cigarette is called vaping. E-cigarettes can be filled with chemicals that are toxic to breathe in.

Vitamin A and Eye Health

Your child needs vitamin A to be healthy. It plays a key role in their vision and how it develops. Vitamin A deficiency is when you don’t have enough vitamin A. This can lead to permanent blindness. However, vision loss from vitamin A deficiency can be reversed if treated quickly.

Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance means that bacteria have changed and cannot be killed by the antibiotics. These bacteria are called drug-resistant bacteria. This means that some antibiotics may not work if your child needs them in the future.

Antroduodenal Manometry

An Antroduodenal Manometry records the pressure waves that are produced in the stomach and small intestine, telling the physician how well the stomach and intestine are working.

Appendectomy: Complex Appendicitis

Learn more about a complex appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix.

Appendectomy: Simple Appendicitis

Learn more about a simple appendectomy, which is the surgical removal of the appendix.

Appendicostomy (Malone or MACE)

An appendicostomy, Malone or MACE, is a surgically created channel between the belly and the colon. This allows a flush, or enema, to be given at the beginning of the colon instead of at the end through the rectum. In the channel is a valve which is hidden inside the body and made of your child’s natural tissues. This one-way valve keeps stool and bodily fluids from coming out from the belly. When the channel has a tube inserted (catheterized), this valve is opened allowing the flush solution to flow directly into the colon.

Arnold-Chiari Malformation (ACM) Surgery

Arnold-Chiari malformation (ACM) is a rare condition of the brain. Learn more about ACM surgery.

Elbow Immobilizers (Welcome Sleeves)

Elbow immobilizers, also known as welcome sleeves, are put on the arms of infants and young children following certain types of surgeries or procedures.

Aspirin

Aspirin is a medicine used to decrease pain, fever or swelling (inflammation). It may also help thin the blood and slow down how fast it clots. Store brand, generic or name brand aspirin is equally good. Generic or store brands often cost less.

Bedbugs

Learn all about bedbugs and how to treat and prevent them.

Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) Testing

The auditory brainstem response (ABR) is a test to see how well sound moves from the auditory nerve to the brain stem. It is used to check for hearing loss. 

Bike Safety

Helpful hints for bike helmet safety.

Biosimilar Medicines

Some complex diseases are treated with medicines called biologic medicines or ‘biologics.’ Biologics are made from living cells.

Biofeedback for Constipation and Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Biofeedback is a therapy used to help children who cannot always have a bowel movement when they need to.

Birth Control: Emergency Contraception

Emergency Contraception (EC) is birth control that keeps you from getting pregnant after unprotected or inadequately protected sex. It comes in two forms: an intrauterine device (IUD) or a pill.

Birth Control: Progestin-Only Contraceptive Pills

Progestin-only contraceptive pills are a form of daily birth control that contains the hormone progestin. This method does not contain estrogen. Progestin is much like a hormone made naturally in your body.

Body System: Gastrointestinal

View a diagram of the Gastrointestinal body system.

Body System: Skeletal

View a diagram of the skeletal body system. 

Body System: Urinary - Female

Learn more about the female urinary system, which filters the blood and removes liquid waste products from the body in the form of urine.  

Body System: Reproductive - Female

The female reproductive system consists of external parts (outside of the body) and internal organs (inside the body).

Body System: Urinary - Male

Teach your son about his urinary system.

Body System: Reproductive Male

Teach your child about the male reproductive system.

Bone Density Scanning (DEXA DXA)

Prepare for your child's bone density scan with this Helping Hand.

Bone Health and Epilepsy

Children who take medicine for seizures due to epilepsy may be at higher risk for weak or breaking bones.

Bone Marrow Transplant: Isolation Procedures

There are two types of bone marrow transplant isolation procedures: modified and strict. 

Bone Marrow Aspiration Test

A bone marrow aspiration test is done to see if the blood cells are being made properly. A bone marrow biopsy may be done. In a biopsy, a small amount of tissue is taken to be looked at under a microscope.

Bowel Cleanout

Your child is constipated and needs help to clean out the large amount of stool (poop) in the intestine.

Bone Scan: Nuclear Medicine

A bone scan is a test that is done to look for problems in the bones. A tiny amount of radioactive material is injected into your child's vein and goes into the blood. After about 2 to 3 hours, it collects in the bones.

Bronchoscopy (Flexible Bronchoscopy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage)

What to expect and how to prepare for your child's flexible bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage  .

Buccal Medicines: Giving Buccal Medicines

A buccal medicine is a medicine given between the gums and the inner lining of the mouth cheek.  

Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE)

A Brief Resolved Unexplained Event (BRUE) happens suddenly and can be scary for parents and caregivers. When a BRUE occurs, babies may seem to stop breathing. Their skin color may change to pale or blue.

Breast Milk for Your Hospitalized Infant: Electric Breast Pump

Mothers who need to express milk for many weeks or months while their babies are in the hospital will need to use a “hospital grade” electric breast pump. These pumps have a “closed system.”

Burns: Nutrition

Your child is being treated for a burn and needs good nutrition to help him or her heal. Your child’s body uses a lot of extra energy as it works to heal the skin. His daily nutrition is very important.

Burns: Scar Management

Scars form as a normal part of healing when the skin is damaged from a burn, trauma, or surgery. Everyone forms different scars.

Burn Prevention: Activities

Burns are a common injury to children. Most burns in children are caused by scalding or touching a hot liquid. Other types can be from touching chemicals, something electric or getting burned by fire. Most burns can be prevented by removing the hazards from your home and by learning what to do if there is a fire.

Burns: Split Thickness Skin Grafts

The S.T.S.G. is an operation that involves taking non-burned skin from one area of
your child's body and moving it to his or her burn site.

Burn Prevention: Infant and Toddler

Burns can be serious injuries at any age, but infants and toddlers are at risk for burn injuries because of their innocent curiosity. The most common causes of burns, as well as the steps you can take to prevent them from happening to your infant or toddler, are listed below.

Burns: Wearing a Pressure Garment

When burns are healing a doctor may prescribe pressure garments to reduce scarring.

Capsule Endoscopy (Pillcam™)

A capsule endoscopy, also known as PillCam™, is a test done to examine the small intestine. This involves swallowing a capsule the size of a large vitamin pill.

Cardiac Catheterization: Care at Home (Adult)

You have had a cardiac catheterization. Learn how to care for the cath site.

Cardiac Catheterization - Care at Home (Pediatric)

Your child has had a cardiac catheterization. Learn how to care for the cath site and when to call your cardiologist.

Can You Trust Health Information on the Web?

At Nationwide Children’s Hospital, we think it is important that you know how to find health information you can trust. This checklist can help you know what to look for and how to decide what information is valuable.

Care Conferences for Families

Communication with members of the health care team is important when a family member is in the hospital. It can be hard to match schedules in the fast-paced hospital setting. Connecting with the many people on your child’s medical team can be a challenge.

Catheterization Record: Intermittent

Your doctors and nurses will help you set up your catheterization schedule. Please bring the record with you to your next clinic visit.

Catheterization: Self-Clean Intermittent - Female

Learn how clean intermittent catheterization is done by putting a tube through the urethra into the bladder for females.

Catheterization - Self-Clean Intermittent - Male

Clean intermittent catheterization is done by passing a tube through the urethra into the bladder. Catheterization empties urine from the bladder.

Chalasia Scan

If your child is spitting up food or vomiting for unknown reasons, a Chalasia scan can be used to determine the cause.

Chest Physiotherapy - Infants Newborn to 12 Months

Chest physiotherapy, also called postural drainage, is a way for you to help your child get rid of extra mucus in his or her lungs.

Cecostomy Tube

A cecostomy tube is also called a C-tube. It is a non-latex tube or catheter placed in the first part of the large intestine, also called the cecum. A procedure called an irrigation is done to provide a comfortable, convenient way to clean out the bowel.

Chalazion

A chalazion is a lump that occurs when a small oil gland in the eyelid becomes plugged, enlarged and infected.

Circumcision Gomco

Properly care for you son after his circumcision with this Helping Hand. 

Child Passenger Safety: Infant Car Seat Challenge

Your baby’s doctor has ordered a Car Seat Challenge. This is a test that gives the doctor valuable information about how well your baby might be able to handle sitting in his or her car seat for travel.

Circumcision: Newborn with a Plastibell

How to prepare for your newborn son's Circumcision with a plastibell.

Child Passenger Safety: Car Seats and Booster Seats

Ohio law requires that a child ride in a car seat (and then a booster seat when he has outgrown the car seat) until he is 8 years old, unless the child is 4 feet 9 inches tall. The exceptions are children who are 4 feet 9 inches or taller before they are 8 years old.

Circumcision Sutured

Properly care for you son after his sutured circumcision with this Helping Hand. 

Children With Hearing Loss: Guidelines for Schools

Some children are born with a hearing loss. Others may develop one due to injury, infection or even loud noises. Children with hearing loss can do well in school, but they often need extra help to learn at their full capacity.

Chromosome Analysis Test

Learn more about chromosome analysis tests.

Cochlear Implant (CI) Magnet

The purpose of the cochlear (COKE le ar) implant (CI) magnet is to hold the headpiece (coil) in place to transmit sound to the internal device (Picture 1). The entire device has 4 parts: the magnet, headpiece (coil), cable and processor. The CI magnet portion is about the size of a dime.

Cleft Palate: Feeding Your Baby

Feeding a baby with a cleft of the palate may not be easy at first. Most babies with a cleft of the palate may not be able to breast feed. They are not able to create the suction needed to express the milk from the breast.

Colonic Manometry

Gastrointestinal motility is the movement of the food we eat through the entire digestive tract. The length of the digestive tract is about 30 feet from the mouth to the rectum. Digestion occurs when the nerves and muscles in the digestive tract work together to move the food along.

Cleft Palate Repair: Instructions After Surgery

Your child's cleft palate has been repaired, and the opening in the roof of the mouth has been closed. There are a few things to know about your child's care at home. Other than these special instructions, your child should be cared for in the same way as any child his or her age.

Colonoscopy

A colonoscopy is a test that allows the doctor to look directly at the lining of the large intestine (colon) using a long flexible tube that has a light and video chip at the end (colonoscopy). Prior to this test the child must take medication that will clean stool out of the colon.

Colonoscopy with General Anesthesia Adult Patient

A colonoscopy is done to examine the entire colon. A flexible tube (scope) with a bright light on the end is used for the test. The doctor will look for signs of redness, swelling, bleeding ulcers or infections of the bowel wall.

Cleft Palate - Starting Foods and Cups

You can introduce foods to children with an unrepaired cleft palate at around 6 months of age, just as in children without a cleft. Learn about how to introduce food and drinks to your child.

Colonoscopy with General Anesthesia Infants and Toddlers

A colonoscopy is done to examine the entire colon. A flexible tube (scope) with a bright light on the end is used for the test. The doctor will look for signs of redness, swelling, bleeding ulcers or infections of the bowel wall.

Colonoscopy with General Anesthesia Pediatric Patient

Prepare for your child's colonoscopy with general anesthesia with this Helping Hand.

Colonic Marker Study

Many children have problems with bowel movements. This test can provide useful information on how well stool moves through the colon.

Contact Precautions

Your child may be placed on Contact Precautions as a safety measure as certain germs can be spread by contact.

Cystogram: Nuclear Medicine

Learn more about nuclear medicine cystogram, the test that shows the size of your child's bladder and how it is working. 

Cystogram: Radiology

Learn more about a radiology cystogram, the test that shows the size of your child's bladder and how it is working. 

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

A complete blood count (CBC) test tells what and how many red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets are in the blood. CBC’s are done in a lab (laboratory) using an automated machine. A CBC can help evaluate overall health, diagnose a medical condition or know if a treatment is working.

Dental Hygiene with Braces

How to keep your teeth healthy and clean with your new braces.

Dental Injuries: Follow-Up Care

If your child has had a serious dental injury, it is important to follow-up with your child’s dentist.

COVID-19 Vaccine: Fast Facts

Now we have an extra way to protect ourselves from the virus - vaccines! If more people get the vaccine, COVID-19 will not be able to spread as easily, and fewer people will be sick.

Dental: Wearing a Palatal Expander

Learn how to properly care for your palatal expander.

Dermabond® Incision Care

Your child has an incision that was closed with an adhesive film called Dermabond. The Dermabond will hold your child’s incision together at skin level. It will loosen from the skin and fall off in 5 to 10 days.

Dental Injury: Post Treatment Instructions

When a child has a serious dental injury, it may take many weeks for the teeth and gums to heal before we know if they will have problems in the future. With prompt and proper follow-up care by a dentist, some problems, such as pain and infection, can be caught and treated early to prevent future problems.

Dialysis

Learn more about dialysis, which is a procedure that is performed routinely on children who suffer from acute or chronic renal failure.

Dental: Teeth and Gum Care for Infants and Toddlers

How to practice teeth and gum care before your child's first tooth appears.

Orthodontics: Wearing a Retainer

How to care for your retainer.

Droplet Precautions

The purpose of these precautions is to keep germs from spreading from your child to other patients, family members, visitors or healthcare workers.

Echocardiogram with Sedation or Anesthesia

An echocardiogram, often called an “echo,” is an ultrasound of the heart. A sedated echo means your child will be asleep while the test is done.

Diapering Your Hospitalized Infant

You will need to start changing your baby’s diaper while he or she is in the hospital. It is important that you check with the nurse about any special instructions or precautions for diapering, especially if your baby has IV lines or tubes or is on any respiratory support.

Exercises: Arms and Hands (Passive)

Range of motion exercises keep your child's joints and muscles loose and easy to move. Your child should lie on his or her back on a firm surface while doing the exercises. You should be on the same side of his body as the arm you are working with. Motions should be smooth, not bouncy.

Dry Skin Care

How to care for you child's dry skin.

Ear Surgery: Care after Tympanoplasty and/or Mastoidectomy

Your child has had an ear operation, either a tympanoplasty or a mastoidectomy. There are a few things you should do for your child at home.

Exercises: Hand (Active)

Hand exercises help keep your joints and muscles from tightening up and becoming weaker.

ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation)

Learn more about Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation.

Exercises: Lower Extremities (Active)

Active exercises help keep your joints and muscles from tightening up and becoming weaker. Your exercise program is planned for your specific needs because not all your muscles have the same degree of strength or weakness. The goal of active exercise is to keep your muscles strong and flexible.

Exercises: Lower Extremities - Older Child (Passive)

Range of motion exercises help to keep your child's joints and muscles from tightening up. An exercise program is planned for the individual needs of each child. While doing the exercises, your child should lie on his back on a firm surface.

Exercises: Stretching

Stretching exercises help keep your joints and muscles from tightening up. Your exercise program is planned for your specific needs because not all your muscles have the same degree of strength or weakness.

EMG and NCS - Neurology

Prepare for your child's EMG or NCS with this Helping Hand.

Exercises: Upper Extremities (Active)

Active exercises help keep your joints and muscles from tightening up and becoming weaker. Your exercise program is planned for your specific needs because not all your muscles have the same degree of strength or weakness. The goal of active exercise is to keep your muscles strong and flexible.

Enema: Child Life Coping Skills & Planning

Starting an enema regimen can be an overwhelming task. The Child Life team have many ways to help your child have a better experience coping during their enema routine. 

Epilepsy Diet Therapy

Diet therapy uses medical diets to help control seizures.

Eye Medicines

Learn how to properly administer eye medicine for your child. 

Exercise for Fitness

Your body is like a machine. Exercise helps all the parts of your body work their best. You need to exercise regularly to stay healthy and fit.

Eye Muscle Surgery

Here is what you can expect after your child has eye muscle surgery.

Eye Surgery Under Anesthesia

How to prepare for eye surgery under anesthesia. 

Exercises: Upper Extremities Infant (Passive)

Range of motion exercises help keep your baby's joints and muscles loose and easy to move. An exercise program is planned for each child’s needs.

Eye Care: Glasses

Your child may need to wear glasses for specific reasons, learn how to make sure they are worn properly. 

Feeding Your Baby Solid Food

Babies should be fed only breastmilk or formula until about 6 months of age. Solid foods can then be started when your baby is ready.

Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES)

A fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is a test used to see if a child has dysphagia.

Fecal Fat Quantitative Test (72 Hour Collection)

How to prepare for a fecal fat quantitative test.

Foreign Body Removal in Interventional Radiology

What to expect if your child is having a foreign object removed from under the skin with interventional radiology.

Gastrointestinal Test (Upper GI Series)

An upper GI series is a test that is done to see how the stomach fills and empties into the small bowel. The test uses an X-ray to look for things that are not normal in the upper GI tract.

Genital Exam - Male (Pre- or Early Puberty)

An exam of your child's genitals is done to check for possible disease, injury or abnormality.

Getting Supplies and Equipment

When your child needs special supplies, a lot of them, or equipment that is not at your pharmacy, a durable medical equipment (DME) company can fill the prescription.

Film Array Viral Panel (FARVPP)

Prepare for your child's Film Array Viral Panel test with this Helping Hand.

Hand Containment

Hand containment is a gentle and active way to help your baby into a tucked or flexed
position. This helps to soothe, console or calm your baby.

Fluorescein Angiography

Fluorescein Angiography is a simple diagnostic test. It involves fluorescein dye that is either injected into the bloodstream through a vein in the arm or taken by mouth as a drink.

Food Allergy: Oral Food Challenge

An oral food challenge is the single best test used to find out if a child is allergic to a specific food. It is dose-graded. This means the child is given small amounts (doses) of the food in question to eat and then watched for signs of an allergic reaction.

Frame and Pin Site - Care at Home

External fixators (frames) are used to hold an arm or leg bone in place so it can heal after surgery for limb-lengthening or reconstruction. 

Gallbladder Removal (Cholecystectomy)

The gallbladder is a small, pear-shaped organ on the right side of the belly (abdomen). Gallbladder problems can be caused by gallstones. The surgery to remove the gallbladder is called a cholecystectomy.

HiB Vaccine

Everything you need to know about HIB.

Getting Ready for Surgery Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction (CCPR)

Learn more about what to expect when getting ready for surgery at the Center for Colorectal and Pelvic Reconstruction.

Hormonal Intrauterine Device (IUD) Insertion

An intrauterine device (in tra U ter in de vice), or IUD, is a small T-shaped type of birth control. 

Glucose Tolerance Test Collection Guidelines

Use this Helping Hand to prepare for your child's outpatient glucose tolerance test.

How to Read a 'Drug Facts' Label

Every over-the-counter medicine you can buy at the store must include a ‘drug facts’ label. This label has information about what the medicine does and how to use it safely.

Growth Hormone Stimulation Test (Outpatient)

Prepare for your child's growth hormone stimulation test with this Helping Hand. 

Guided Growth Surgery

Guided growth, or hemi-epiphysiodesis, is a procedure that can be used to gradually correct angular deformities, such as "bowed legs" and "knock knees," in children’s bones. Guided growth slowly straightens the bone by tethering (guiding) the growth plate on one side of the bone.

Hymenectomy

A hymenectomy is a procedure that is done to remove extra tissue from the hymen that partly or totally covers a female’s vaginal opening.

Impedance pH Monitoring

Impedance pH Monitoring measures the length of time it takes for your child’s stomach contents (acid or non-acid) come back up into his or her esophagus.

Helping Children Cope During Visits to the Doctor

When a child needs to see the doctor or go to the hospital, parents often want to know how they can make the experience easier for their child.

High Fiber Diet

To have a well-balanced diet, it is very important for your child to eat 3 meals and 1 to 3 snacks each day. Pick foods rich in fiber to fill up your plate.

Hip Subluxation, Dislocation and Surveillance in Children with Cerebral Palsy (CP)

Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are at risk for hip subluxation and dislocation. Hip subluxation and dislocation occur when the hip joint is out of position. 

HIV Prevention

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, causes many health problems. HIV attacks the immune system. When the immune system is weak, it does not do a good job of fighting infection.

Intrauterine Device Removal

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small, T-shaped device placed in your uterus by your health care provider to prevent pregnancy, to reduce heavy menstrual bleeding or to help reduce painful menstrual cramps or pelvic pain. IUDs must be removed after you have had it in place for from 3 to 10 years.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

Although a diagnosis of IVH is serious, it is possible for damaged areas of the brain to regain function later in life.

Honda Center for Gait Analysis and Mobility Enhancement

An analysis of your child’s gait (the way a person walks) is done at the Honda Center for Gait Analysis & Mobility Enhancement (GAME Center). Video, motion markers, force plates, and muscle activity are all examined in this test.

IV Tunneled Central Venous Catheter Care at Home

The tunneled central venous catheter is a plastic tube that is placed into one of the large veins in the body.

IVP (Intravenous Pyelogram)

Prepare for your child's IVP with this Helping Hand. 

Joint Injection

The joint injection procedure helps relieve pain in joints caused by arthritis.

Kidney (Renal) Biopsy

What to expect if your child is having a kidney biopsy.

Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is a surgery done to remove excess labial tissue. Too much of this tissue can cause pain or discomfort to a female because of rubbing or chafing.

Important Facts to Know when Taking Opioids

Learn how to keep your child safe when they are taking or around opioids. 

Magnetic Resonance Enterography (MR-E)

Prepare for your child's MRE with this Helping Hand. 

Medical Identification (ID)

A medical identification is a piece of jewelry that has a medical symbol and states a health condition. It can be a bracelet, necklace or sports band.

IV Central Line Preventing Bloodstream infections

Learn more about a special type of IV to receive medicines or nutrition.

Mepilex Ag Dressing

Mepilex® Ag is a soft spongey grey foam pad that has silver within it. The foam dressing (bandage) shields the wound and the silver helps to kill bacteria. This protects the wound from getting an infection.

IV: Implanted Port Care at Home

The implanted port is a device and catheter (tube) that is surgically placed under the skin in your child's body. It lessens the need to start an IV for every treatment.

Moving from Pediatric to Adult Care: Finding a Doctor

Take the big step in moving from Nationwide Children's Hospital to a provider that sees adults with this Helping Hand. 

IV (Intravenous) Therapy

IV or intravenous therapy is a way to give fluids, medicine, nutrition, or blood directly into the blood stream through a vein.

Moving from Pediatric to Adult Care: Prescription Medicines, Supplies and Equipment

To take care of your own health, you need to know how to fill prescriptions. Most prescriptions for medicines can be filled at a local pharmacy. You may also get them from a mail order pharmacy if your insurance allows. Your prescription insurance will use one specific mail order pharmacy.

Jackson Pratt Drainage Tube

The Jackson Pratt drain is a special tube put in place near the site of surgery to prevent body fluid from collecting. It pulls the fluid into a bulb by suction.

MRSA Decolonization

The removal of MRSA is called “decolonization.” Decolonization may help reduce the risk of spreading the germs to others and help to avoid future infections.

Nail Changes

Nails are hardened skin cells that protect and support the tissues in our fingers and toes.

Nasal Turbinate Reduction

Prepare for your child's nasal turbinate reduction with this Helping Hand. 

Nephrostomy Tube

Learn more about a nephrostomy tube.

Kangaroo Care for Your Infant

Kangaroo care is a special way for you to hold your infant that gives the baby skin-to-skin contact.

Neurogenic Bowel: Bowel Training

Bowel training is achieved when your child has a bowel movement in the potty at the same time every day and therefore has few bowel accidents.

Liver Biopsy

What to expect and how to prepare if your child is having a liver biopsy. 

NTrainer® Pacifier System

The NTrainer is a special pacifier used to help premature babies with feeding. Many babies born before 35 weeks have trouble learning to breast or bottle feed and breathe at the same time.

Laparoscopic Surgery

Prepare for your child's laparoscopic surgery with this Helping Hand. 

Lead Poisoning: Chelation Therapy

Some children with severe lead poisoning may need a medicine to help remove lead from their blood. Using medicine to take lead out of the blood is called chelation.

Oral Glucose Suppression Test - Outpatient

An oral glucose suppression test is done to find out if the pituitary gland is releasing too much growth hormone (GH). The pituitary gland is a small gland (about the size of a pea) in the brain. It releases hormones into the bloodstream that affect growth.

Orchidopexy

Learn more about orchidopexy.

Management and Treatment of Neuromuscular Scoliosis in Spina Bifida

The spine helps keep us upright when we are sitting and walking. When a person who has spina bifida also has scoliosis, or spinal asymmetry, the spine is not straight. It may be because of curvature or twisting of the spine, usually in an "S" or "C" shape. This can progress over time.

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis

Mandibular Distraction Osteogenesis (MDO) is a surgery done for infants with Pierre Robin sequence. MDO lengthens the jaw to help open the airway so the baby can breathe safely and comfortably on their own.

Patch Testing for Skin Allergies

Be prepared for your child's patch testing for skin allergies with this Helping Hand.

Medicine Allergy Challenge

A medicine allergy challenge is a test used to find out if a child is allergic to certain drugs or medicines, often an antibiotic.

Mouth Care for Patients Receiving Chemotherapy

Learn how to properly care for your child's mouth if they are receiving chemotherapy. 

Mehta Cast for Early Onset Scoliosis

Scoliosis is an abnormality of the spine. The goal for treatment of young children with scoliosis is to try to prevent the progression of the condition. Children less than 2 years old, and sometimes a bit older, may be placed into a mehta cast.

Phototherapy for Skin Conditions

Phototherapy is a special light therapy prescribed to treat some skin disorders. Phototherapy uses ultraviolet (UV) light. The phototherapy light booth is similar to a standing-up tanning bed. It is operated by a trained nurse.

Prescription Medicines

To take care of your child’s health, you need to know how to fill prescriptions.  Most prescriptions for medicines may be filled at a local pharmacy. 

Microarray Analysis Test

The microarray analysis test is used to find out if your child has a medical condition caused by a missing or extra piece of chromosome material. This test is also known by several other names, such as chromosomal microarray, whole genome microarray, array comparative genomic hybridization or SNP microarray.

Renal Scan: Nuclear Medicine

Prepare for your child's renal scan in nuclear medicine with this Helping Hand.

Neurogenic Bowel Regulation

A child who has a neurogenic bowel cannot control when he or she has a bowel movement. Bowel control may not be possible, but bowel regulation can be done by following a daily schedule.

Multi-View Videofluoroscopic Speech Study (MVSS)

A multi-view videofluoroscopic speech study, or MVSS, is a procedure to see how the palate functions during speech. It is basically an x-ray movie taken while the child talks.

Safe Handling of Hazardous Medicines

The risk of danger from handling small amounts of these hazardous medicines is small, but it is a good idea to avoid exposure if possible. Here are suggestions for things you can do at home to limit exposure.

Nasopharyngoscopic Evaluation of Velopharyngeal Closure During Speech

Nasopharyngoscopy is a test that involves viewing the back of the nose and throat. This test uses a small tube-light camera, called an endoscope, to view this area while the child speaks.

Newborn Screen Blood Test

The Newborn Screen Blood Test checks to see if your baby has certain disorders.

Nighttime Bladder Emptying

Nighttime bladder emptying keeps bladder pressures low. This helps keep your child’s bladder safe and healthy while they sleep. A full bladder creates high pressure. This is dangerous to both the kidneys and bladder.

Sharps Containers at Home

A "sharp" is any medical device that could cut or stick a patient, caregiver, or anyone else. There are reasons that your child may have to use sharps while at home. It is very important to know how to throw away (dispose of) syringes, needles and any other sharp device in a safe way.

Obesity and Overweight Prevention

Help your child stay fit and healthy with these tips. 

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

Social Security Disability is a government program that gives money to people who cannot work because of a medical issue that is expected to last at least one year or result in death.

Orthodontics: Wearing Cervical Headgear

Learn more about wearing headgear. 

Orthodontics: Wearing Dental Elastics

What to expect when you wear dental elastics. 

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) is a set of hands-on techniques. They are used to ease pain, calm the nervous system and improve a variety of symptoms. This lets the body function better and move more easily to help your child feel better.

Pain Management: Dealing with Chronic Pain in Children and Teens

Dealing with chronic pain can be challenging for people of any age and their families. Along with good management of pain and stress, the following ideas can help your family break the cycle of chronic pain.

Patient Safety in the Health Care Setting

We are committed to giving quality health care to your child and keeping them safe while here. Parents or legal guardians play a vital role in the effort by being actively involved and informed.

Pavlik Harness

Does your child wear a pavlik harness? This Helping Hand can aid you in day to day activities with your child in a pavlik harness.

Sunscreen and Sun Protection

Sunscreen and sun protection are very important for children and adolescents. Skin cancer is becoming more common in young people. Protecting your child’s skin from too much exposure to the sun can greatly reduce this risk.

Supplemental Security Income

SSI is a government program that gives money to people who have low income and few resources and who are aged 65 or older, blind or disabled.

Surgery Centers Home Preparation Westerville and Main Campus

Prepare for your child's surgery with this Helping Hand

Pinworm Test Collection Guidelines

Pinworms are small white worms about ¼ - ½ inch long and look like a small grain of rice. These worms can live in a person’s large intestine. The adult female crawls out of the rectal opening at night and lays her eggs on the skin around it.

Posterior Pharyngeal Flap (PPF) Surgery

Posterior Pharyngeal Flap is a surgery done to help correct velopharyngeal dysfunction, or VPD.

Teenage Pregnancy: Labor and Delivery

Prepare for your daughters labor and delivery with this Helping Hand.

Teething

Care for your child who is teething. 

Radiology: Lead Shields or Aprons

For many years, patients had to wear lead shields when getting x-rays, CT scans or fluoroscopy. This is no longer the case.

Tissue Expansion

Tissue expansion is a way for doctors to stretch skin and soft tissues.

Tissue Expansion at Home - Instructions for Families

The purpose of tissue expansion is to grow new skin over a period of several weeks to months.

Tracheostomy Care: How to Prevent Trach Infections

Prevent trach infections with tips fro this Helping Hand.

Saliva Cortisol Test Collection Guidelines

A saliva cortisol test is done to measure the level of cortisol, a hormone in saliva. Cortisol is made by the adrenal gland, located on top of each kidney. Cortisol has many functions. It helps the body use sugar (glucose) and fat for energy (metabolism). It also helps the body manage stress. Many conditions can affect cortisol levels, such as physical or emotional stress, strenuous activity, infection or injury.

Tracheostomy: How to Protect the Child with a Trach Tube

This Helping Hand will teach you how to protect the air that goes into your child's trach tube.

Scoliosis: Wearing a Brace

Scoliosis means an unnatural curve in the spine. Different types of braces are worn to prevent curve changes. If the brace is worn as directed, surgery on the spine can sometimes be avoided.

Tracheostomy: What It Is and When It Is Needed

Learn what a trachestomy is and what it is used for. 

Transmission-Based Precautions (Isolation): Antibiotic-Resistant Organisms

Some bacteria can develop resistance when antibiotics are used too often or not used correctly. Resistance can make infections very hard to treat.

Transtelephonic Monitor - Looping

A transtelephonic monitor is a 30-day looping event monitor. It records and captures irregular heartbeats that happen quickly and last less than a few seconds.

Transtelephonic Monitor - Post Event

A Transtelephonic 30-day post event monitor records irregular heart beats that last a little longer than a few seconds. The recordings are then sent to a monitoring company over a land line telephone to be reviewed by your child’s doctor.

Travel Bag for Trach Care

You will need a travel bag to take along every time you take your child out of the house.

Sibling Rivalry

Sibling rivalry is competition or conflict between children being raised in the same family. It is a natural part of growing up that will impact how they learn to resolve problems.

Sleep Study

Sleep studies are often ordered to find out if a child has problems breathing while asleep. Learn how the tests are done.

Upper Endoscopy with General Anesthesia

An upper endoscopy is a test done to examine the lining of the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. The doctor will look for signs of redness, swelling, bleeding, ulcers or infections. Small tissue samples (biopsies)will be collected to be studied under a microscope.

Urine Dip Tests

Urine dip tests are done to check how the kidneys are working.

Sphincter Pharyngoplasty Surgery

Sphincter pharyngoplasty is a surgery done to help correct velopharyngeal dysfunction, or VPD.

Spinal Fusion

Does your child have scoliosis? Learn more about a spinal fusion to correct the spine. 

Spinal Tap

A spinal tap or lumbar puncture may be done to remove a small amount of spinal fluid for examination, to give medicine into the spinal canal or to measure the pressure in the spinal canal.

Warts: Liquid Nitrogen Treatment

What to expect if your child is having a liquid nitrogen treatment to remove a wart.

All About Surgeries and Procedures

Your child is going to have surgery. To make it as easy as possible for both you and the child, we would like to tell you what to expect before, during, and after surgery.

Water Soluble Fiber

Water soluble fiber is commonly used with CCPR medical regimens. This fiber will help maintain a good balance between stool frequency and consistency to help your child be continent.

Yoga Exercises and Menstrual Cramps

Many girls and young women have cramps when they have their periods. Cramps usually feel like pain in the abdomen (belly), pelvis (hip area), lower back, and upper legs. The pain usually hurts worst on the day before the period begins and on the first day of the period.

Swaddling - Birth to Two Months

Learn how to correctly swaddle your child. 

Talking to a Child About Racism

Parents and caregivers may find themselves struggling to talk about the concepts of race, descent and racism with a child.

Tongue-Lip Adhesion

Tongue-Lip Adhesion (TLA) is a surgery done for infants with Pierre Robin sequence. TLA helps prevent the tongue from falling back into the baby’s throat. If the tongue falls back into the throat, it can block the airway and make it hard for the baby to breathe.

Urodynamics

Urodynamics is a series of tests that are done to see how well the urethra and bladder are working. This Helping Hand will teach you everything you need to know to prepare for your child's tests.  

Uroflow and Electromyography Tests

These tests check how well the bladder and its muscles work. The results will help your child’s health care team create their care plan.

Urology Biofeedback Therapy

Biofeedback helps your child understand how their body works. It teaches them how to control parts of their body they do not think about being able to control.

Whole Body Cooling

In the NICU, your baby may get a special kind of care, called whole body cooling (also called therapeutic hypothermia). This treatment lowers body temperature so the body slows down and uses less energy.